2_New York Giants2

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kind of production the Giants need from one of their highestprofile
players.
Now that Justin Tuck has moved on to the Raiders, the Giants
have lost their defensive end depth and need Pierre-Paul to stand
out, once again. There have been times during his career when
he has looked practically unblockable, and he has had games in
which he has dominated the opposition. That didn’t happen last
year and must in 2014 for the Giants to contend.
Giants Special Teams
Kicker Josh Brown made 23-of-26 field goal tries last year,
including 8-of-10 from 40-and-beyond. But that didn’t stop head
coach Tom Coughlin from declaring the placement spot open
and giving Brandon McManus a chance to take it. Even if Brown
survives, he is on notice. Punter Steve Weatherford had a strong
46.9-yard average last year.
The return game
received a boost
from the signings of
Quintin Demps and
Trindon Holliday.
Demps averaged
30.1 yards per
kickoff return last
year with Kansas
City and scored a
touchdown, while
Holliday had an 8.5-
yard average bringing back punts for the Broncos and also took
one the distance. He and Ruben Randle (8.2-yard average) should
give the Giants a definite strength in that area. The Giants’ kick
coverage unit was stout last year, so there isn’t any trouble there.
The punt coverage group was awful, allowing three TDs and a
13.6-yard average.
Prediction
The Giants will be better than last year, but how much is
the question. It’s hard to imagine Manning making so many
mistakes, and the influx of newcomers brings proven talent
to areas of concern. If Coughlin can bring it all together, the
Giants will contend. If he can’t, it could be time for a change in
the Meadowlands.
SCOREBOARD
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
PLAYOFF FINISH - - SB - -
WON-LOSS 7-9 9-7 9-7 10-6 8-8
POINTS/GAME 18.4 26.8 24.6 24.6 25.1
OPP POINTS/GAME 23.9 21.5 25.0 21.7 26.7
YARDS/GAME 307.5 355.4 385.1 380.3 366.0
YARDS/ALLOWED 332.3 383.4 376.4 311.9 324.9
TURNOVERS 44 21 24 42 31
TAKEAWAYS 29 35 31 39 24
Key Additions:
RB Rashad Jennings, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, G Geoff
Schwartz, OT Charles Brown, CB Walter Thurmond, C J.D. Walton,
G John Jerry, WR Mario Manningham, S Quintin Demps, WR Trindon
Holliday, QB Josh Freeman
Key Subtractions:
WR Hakeem Nicks, CB Terrell Thomas, CB Aaron Ross, TE Bear
Pascoe, G Kevin Boothe, RB Andre Brown, DE Justin Tuck, LB Keith
Rivers, DT Linval Joseph, S Ryan Mundy
Rookies:
WR Odell Beckham Jr., C Weston Richburg, DT Jay Bromley, RB Andre
Williams, S Nate Berhe, LB Devon Kennard, CB Bennett Jackson
Jason Pierre-Paul
AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
Giants Defense
With Justin Tuck and his team-high 11 sacks gone to
Oakland, the front four faces more pressure, since its depth
had been compromised. Neither Jason Pierre-Paul nor Mathias
Kiwanuka stood out last year, although Pierre-Paul missed five
games, due to injury. Still, they combined for eight sacks from the
end positions last year and must improve this year for the Giants
to put enough pressure on the passer. Veteran Cullen Jenkins
handles one tackle spot and performed well last year against
the pass, as usual. Mike Patterson is the other starter inside but
started just once last year.
The big change in the linebacking corps is the arrival of
Devon Kennard, a fifth-round draft pick who will be asked
to handle the strong side. He’ll work next to Jon Beason, who
spent part of training camp rehabbing an injured foot. Jacquian
Williams and Spencer Paysinger are on the weak side. There is
good depth, thanks to Mark Herzlich and Jameel McClain, who
came over from the Ravens, in the middle.
There are two notable newcomers in the New York
secondary this year—although one, safety Stevie Brown, has
only been away for a year. He had a strong 2012 season but
tore his ACL last year and missed last season. If he can return
to his previous form, that will be a big boost to a secondary that
needs one. The addition of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at the
corner should help, too. He isn’t the biggest tackler, but he can
help in coverage.
The other corner belongs to Prince Amukamara, who has
only registered three career interceptions but is strong against
the run. Even more stout is safety Antrel Rolle, who had a big
2013, leading the Giants in tackles and interceptions, with
six. New York added some good depth in cornerback Walter
Thurmond and safety Quintin Demps that should help them be
stronger along the back line.
Defensive Player To Watch
The optimist would take a look at Jason Pierre-Paul’s 2013
season and say that offseason back surgery to repair a herniated
disc and a shoulder injury that shut him down with five
games left were the reasons for his below-par play. Pierre-Paul
managed just two sacks and 27 total tackles last year, hardly the